Growing Up… in Atlantic Canada, I have firsthand experience in what is called ‘Living History’, being surrounded by three hundred year plus settlements, and more importantly, musical traditions. 

Stories in song were part of my daily diet, whether it be songs of the Acadian Expulsion, what is now called Folk music from the exploits of the explorers set to open up the country or music from the legends of the area.  Here, in the interior of British Columbia, a similar track through history complete with the music of the times is ever present. 

 

A modern day group from the south Okanagan is keeping a portion of the area’s history alive, with lively music in the traditional sense, as well with brand new original interpretations of the great railway history of the region!

Celebrating fifteen years together, these travelling minstrels bring alive the legendary Kettle Valley Railway, a rich heritage that they set in song! 

The Kettle Valley Brakemen are living historical minstrels, bringing us the stories of danger, frustration and accomplishment of the culture that grew out of the region’s rails.  Combining traditional music with original creations built upon the historical facts of the Kettle Valley Railway, their concert performances are lively lessons in history and folklore. 

The group preserve a part of the BC Interior’s lifestyle, and present it in a musical fashion that is emotive in its performance.  Like Atlantic Canada, those that experience the Kettle Valley Brakeman are much richer, and most likely bring back memories of Family stories about the Canadian Railway, which we know was responsible in opening up this part of Canada. 

The Kettle Valley Brakeman are well sought after.  In celebrating their fifteen years together, the group are booked solidly throughout the summer!  Appearances range from Port Moody on the coast to Revelstoke and Golden, and they’ll appear in Penticton for the PeachFest celebrations! 

A vastly talented group of musicians, The Kettle Valley Brakeman are a ‘must see’ ensemble!  They bring back a period of our history in song and music, a fantastic way of learning about our Heritage!  I’ll be bringing you more news on this group, complete with an interview and exploring their original musical creations!  Until then, look at this great video on your Kettle Valley Brakeman!!

 

Another local Talent, Rann Berry will present a show-stopper in August!  “Rann Berry And The One Hit Wonders” will also be presenting history in music, contemporary music that has become a big portion of our life’s soundtrack!  Relive such timeless creations as “Judy In Disguise”, “Hooked On A Feeling”, “Indiana Wants Me” and of course many more.  It will be a complete concert performance, a seven piece band that will have you rocking and reeling and reliving some precious memories from the 1960’s and 70’s!! 

‘Rann Berry and the One Hit Wonders’ will perform on August 10th at the Kelowna Community Theatre; tickets are available now, so don’t hold back, go ahead and get them now!  Tickets available through: Select Your Tickets (selectyourtickets.com) at The Prospera Place Box Office or phone 250-762-5050.  Rann Berry & The One Hit Wonders; surely a night to remember, August 10th at The Kelowna Community Theatre…

Upcoming Club/Concert Highlights:

Doc Willoughby’s Downtown Pub:  Paul Filek June 15^th

Dave’s Sports Bar:   June 15^th: Whiskey Dick with Kat & The Valentines    June 16^th: Xul-- Album Release Party    June 22^nd & 23^rd: Younguns

Pheasant & Quail Pub:  Blue City Trio: June 15^th & 16^th   Murphy’s Lagh (Irish Music at its best) June 22^nd & 23^rd      Rann Berry June 29^th and 30^th

97 Street Pub:   Bucknife:  June 15^th & 16^th   Cod Gone Wild:  June 22^nd & 23^rd

The Blue Gator:   Crosstown Bus:  June 15^th & 16^th    Sonny Rhodes: June 22^nd & 23^rd

Lake City Bowl:  Anvil  August 4^th                                     

VooDoo’s:   (Penticton)   Sunday  Blues Jam—every Sunday!!     

Notable Concerts:  

 Salmon  Arm:  Shaw  Centre:  Nazareth July 7^th

 Merritt:   Harlequinn  July 12^th

 Kamloops Convention Centre:   Sweet  June 15^th   Nazareth July 9^th

 Funtastic (Vernon): Kenny Shields & Streetheart   plus  The Headpins  June 29^th    Lou Gramm (Foreigner) June 30^th

Kenny Shields & Streetheart:   July 14^th  Dancin’ Barefoot Music Festival  in Peachland

Sturgis North 2012-Vernon: July 18^th to 22^nd  Rick Derringer  Jerry Doucette  Blue Oyster Cult  Foghat  Nick Gilder & Sweeney Todd  The Guess Who  Stampeders  Brian Howe Snake Oil Sinners  Jasmine Cain

    ‘Notes & News’: Great White:  Ex-XYZ vocalist has replaced Jack Russell in Great White and has left his mark on the group’s new album “Elation”.  The group continues to move forward and sounds a lot tougher these days…here, check them out for yourselves!:

……if you have a musical story or news and would like me to write something… drop me a line at:  fbainternational@telus.net  and let’s celebrate Kelowna’s rich and varied music community together!!.....